Jacobin Radio Confronting Capitalism: Socialism in the 21st Century
23 snips
Dec 18, 2024 
Vivek Chibber, an NYU sociology professor and editor of Catalyst Journal, dives into the evolution of socialist politics in contemporary America. He distinguishes between social democracy and socialism, while reflecting on the Bernie Sanders movement's impact. Chibber emphasizes the need for a cohesive leftist agenda focused on real economic issues, critiques capitalism’s role in perpetuating inequality, and highlights the importance of labor movements in shaping social welfare. His insights provide a roadmap for the Left moving forward.
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Early Socialist Influence
- Vivek Chibber became a socialist at age 10, influenced by his politically active family in India.
- Their home hosted socialist meetings and discussions, fostering a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
Core of Socialism
- Socialism aims to liberate people from poverty and social domination, rooted in the belief of individual moral equality.
- It views capitalism as unjustly subordinating the masses, hindering their full potential.
Capitalism Defined
- Capitalism involves private ownership of productive assets, profit maximization, and a majority working for asset owners.
- This creates an inherent conflict where employers prioritize profits over employees' welfare.